Smoltek Nanotech Holding AB announced that the subsidiary, Smoltek Hydrogen has, on behalf of a leading global automotive manufacturer, completed successful tests of its nanostructure fuel cell electrodes. The tests are a result of the prototype order from November 2024, and the customer has expressed satisfaction with the test results. Discussions are ongoing regarding additional prototypes as the next step in the collaboration.

The recently concluded test series involved customized fuel cell electrode prototypes evaluated in small-scale fuel cell setups. The focus was on assessing both the performance and durability of Smoltek’s proprietary nanostructure electrodes.

“We are very pleased that the results meet the customer’s expectations. It confirms the relevance of our technology for fuel cell applications and strengthens our belief in its commercial potential,” said Ellinor Ehrnberg, President of Smoltek Hydrogen.

Smoltek Hydrogen has submitted a proposal for continued testing in a larger format and is currently in discussions with the customer on how a potential next phase could be structured. A decision is expected within the coming months.

“While no formal decision yet has been made, we are optimistic about continuing the collaboration to scale up for more extensive prototype orders,” Ellinor Ehrnberg added.

“A commercial breakthrough in fuel cells opens a strategic opportunity of massive size. The automotive fuel cell market has a huge potential as heavy transportation cannot rely on battery powered electric vehicles. The batteries would be far too large. In the next generation of trucks, fuel cells are key to electrification – converting H₂ into electricity, with water as the sole emission,” Ellinor Ehrnberg elaborated.

The electrodes tested in this project are based on Smoltek’s technology originally developed for PEM electrolyzers, now adapted for use in fuel cells by modifying the structural configuration. This is the second global vehicle manufacturer to evaluate Smoltek Hydrogen’s technology through a customized prototype order.

Smoltek Hydrogen offers unique electrode solutions that combine high performance with significantly reduced use of critical and extremely expensive precious metals.